Apple's next-gen iPad to get iPod touch-like back, wide-range speaker - rumor
The second-generation iPad may have a smaller bezel, a flat back panel and a wide-range speaker, a new unverified report claims.
Japanese Mac blog MacOtakara published the rumor Thursday, citing an "anonymous Chinese source."
According to the source, the LCD screen on the next-generation iPad will stay the same size, while the new tablet will be 3mm smaller, reportedly measuring 239mm by 186mm. The current iPad, which measures 242.8 mm by 189.7 mm, was criticized for its wide bezel when it was first unveiled in January.
Apple will reportedly change the back of the new iPad to be "flat like an iPod touch," which would also resolve criticisms that the iPad's curved back is impractical. According to the report, the Ambient Light Sensor has been moved to the "upper center of the rear panel" and has a new 3mm slim hole.
The rumor also suggested that a slot on the bottom of the device, which was spotted in early case designs, is actually a "large wide-ranged speaker unit covered with metal mesh."
Production of the new iPad has allegedly already begun, with a tentative shipping date of mid to late January, the report noted. Recent reports have suggested that Foxconn will begin shipping the iPad 2 to Apple in January or February. Apple could ramp up production capacity of the iPad to as much as 6 million per month.
A second rumor that the next iPad will have two cameras--a front camera for FaceTime and a rear camera equipped for recording video, was labeled as "unreliable information" by the blog.
In September, AppleInsider exclusively reported that Apple plans to bring its FaceTime video chat standard onto the iPad in its next revision, possibly ahead of the usual 12 month product cycle.
Japanese Mac blog MacOtakara published the rumor Thursday, citing an "anonymous Chinese source."
According to the source, the LCD screen on the next-generation iPad will stay the same size, while the new tablet will be 3mm smaller, reportedly measuring 239mm by 186mm. The current iPad, which measures 242.8 mm by 189.7 mm, was criticized for its wide bezel when it was first unveiled in January.
Apple will reportedly change the back of the new iPad to be "flat like an iPod touch," which would also resolve criticisms that the iPad's curved back is impractical. According to the report, the Ambient Light Sensor has been moved to the "upper center of the rear panel" and has a new 3mm slim hole.
The rumor also suggested that a slot on the bottom of the device, which was spotted in early case designs, is actually a "large wide-ranged speaker unit covered with metal mesh."
Production of the new iPad has allegedly already begun, with a tentative shipping date of mid to late January, the report noted. Recent reports have suggested that Foxconn will begin shipping the iPad 2 to Apple in January or February. Apple could ramp up production capacity of the iPad to as much as 6 million per month.
A second rumor that the next iPad will have two cameras--a front camera for FaceTime and a rear camera equipped for recording video, was labeled as "unreliable information" by the blog.
In September, AppleInsider exclusively reported that Apple plans to bring its FaceTime video chat standard onto the iPad in its next revision, possibly ahead of the usual 12 month product cycle.
Comments
Hopefully, by 'iPod Touch-like back' they don't (also) mean the use of utterly impractical polished metal.
Da! Big news! I agree with you for once!
But I never disliked the curved back, best shape ever put on a machine, in my experience, and the bezel always looked right to me. Version 1 to be a collector's item?
Anyway, the thick aluminum back was a heat sink, so I doubt they'll ditch it.
Hopefully, by 'iPod Touch-like back' they don't (also) mean the use of utterly impractical polished metal.
Agreed. Keep it flat & matte!
Agreed. Keep it flat & matte!
that is what they mean... a flat back like an iPod touch. not polished like one...
The only possible use could be to show someone something in detail but if the front-facing camera's resolution were decent enough, one camera could do the trick. Just turn the device towards whatever one wants to show while in Facetime mode.
Facetime yes but a camera for recording video, not so much. Doesn't seem like a fit putting a camera on the iPad for shooting video and stills. Way too awkward to be something Apple would consider.
The only possible use could be to show someone something in detail but if the front-facing camera's resolution were decent enough, one camera could do the trick. Just turn the device towards whatever one wants to show while in Facetime mode.
I'll have to disagree here. There is a really amazing storyboard composer for the iPhone/iPod Touch and if it were available on the iPad, it would be a godsend to not have the extra step of having to download pictures already taken from a different camera onto the device. Take the pictures and make the storyboard on the spot!
If I have the unit resting on something the sensor isnt going to have the right reading.
What matters is the ambient light on the screen.
Except for the ambient light sensor on the back. There?s plenty of glass up front to put it where it makes sense.
An 4th gen iPod-shaped back would be nice. Thin edge, but stable for table usage.
It is VERY comfortable to hold, just too heavy.
In fact, I was very disappointed when Apple moved from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 4 because the previous model always felt comfortable in my hand.
The hard edges of the iPhone 4 are not comfortable to hold at all.
Apple in fact has altered its recent products in order have a very attractive and cool look, but at the cost of ergonomics.
The hard edges of the recent MacBook Pro and the iPhone 4 are not fun to carry and hold.
Here we go again, i fear.
The hard edges of the iPhone 4 are not comfortable to hold at all.
Apple in fact has altered its recent products in order have a very attractive and cool look, but at the cost of ergonomics.
The hard edges of the recent MacBook Pro and the iPhone 4 are not fun to carry and hold.
I think it has to do with the stupid fact that today's cars and trucks are going back to hard edges and losing the curves. Just look at the stupid Chrysler minivans, Toyota Camry, Ford super duty trucks vs. the previous generation.
Personally I think the current trend is crap. It isn't like a boxy figure on a woman will win over a curvacious one, ever!
I think it has to do with the stupid fact that today's cars and trucks are going back to hard edges and losing the curves. Just look at the stupid Chrysler minivans, Toyota Camry, Ford super duty trucks vs. the previous generation.
Personally I think the current trend is crap. It isn't like a boxy figure on a woman will win over a curvacious one, ever!
Just look at the Pontiac Zune, I mean the Pontiac Aztek - it's to blame for the current hard edges.
I think it has to do with the stupid fact that today's cars and trucks are going back to hard edges and losing the curves. Just look at the stupid Chrysler minivans, Toyota Camry, Ford super duty trucks vs. the previous generation.
Personally I think the current trend is crap. It isn't like a boxy figure on a woman will win over a curvacious one, ever!
Just look at the Pontiac Zune, I mean the Pontiac Aztek - it's to blame for the current hard edges.
C'mon you guys, haven't you ever seen an old Leica? I don't imagine Ive and Jobs are reiterating the 'blockhead' school of car design, which got started with the Hummer 2, if not the first Jeep Cherokee. These represent the anti-tactile antithesis of the iPhone.
I never understood the anti-fetish people have about "wide" bezels. Somehow I doubt 1.5mm off each side will appease such critics (and I doubt bezel size played any role in the decision).
For a device as big as the iPad and with the target of being so many different things the wide bezel makes sense. It's already huge so offer people different ways of holding it.
Having used an iPad for a few months I can say that trimming the bezel by 1.5-2.0 mm on each side isn't going to reduce the usability of the bezel as a handle. I really think Apple hates having their "perfect" devices put into any type of case so they make minor changes every year to screw over the case makers and confuse customers looking to buy a case.
Apple has said there won't be a 7" iPad and I believe it. It's the wrong size for a tablet or super sized phone. The Galaxy Tab is too wide for many hands and pockets.
To me the perfect mobile information appliance (not tablet) would have a screen size of roughly 5.75" and the miniature bezels of the iPod touch. It would offer 2.25x as much screen as the touch in a device that still fits into the palm of your hand, slips into many pockets and fits easily into almost any purse. With a wired or Bluetooth headset it could even be used as a phone, but I'm far more interested in it having an iPad style no-contract data plan. For the few times when I actually have to call someone rather than email/Facetime/iChat/SMS I carry a small flip phone that I got for $79 way back in 2005. $10/mo gets me all the minutes I need.
that is what they mean... a flat back like an iPod touch. not polished like one...
Except the iPod Touch does not have a flat back, it's curved!!